For the first time in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s history, the provincial assembly has passed a law aimed at improving animal welfare.
The newly enacted legislation stipulates that any form of cruelty, overburdening, or harm to animals will result in up to six months of imprisonment and fines of up to 100,000. Additionally, animals must be slaughtered humanely in designated slaughterhouses. Organizing animal or bird fights will also carry a penalty of up to three months of imprisonment.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Animal Welfare Bill 2024 was presented by the Minister of Livestock, Fazal Hakim, for immediate consideration, replacing the outdated Animal Rights Act of 1890. Under the new bill, overburdening or harming animals can lead to three months in jail or fines up to 50,000, with repeat offenses carrying harsher penalties of six months imprisonment and a fine of up to 100,000. These cases will be heard by a first-class judicial magistrate.
The law mandates safe and comfortable transportation of animals and stipulates that only licensed veterinarians may perform surgeries. Failure to report animal rights violations could result in fines of Rs10,000 or up to three months in prison.
A welfare committee, led by the Director General (Extension) of Livestock and Dairy Development, will be established to oversee animal welfare efforts. This committee will advise local administrations and slaughterhouses on minimizing animal suffering and work on stray animal population control, providing financial aid to rehabilitation centers and veterinary hospitals, and raising awareness about animal welfare.
Veterinary inspectors will be appointed to enforce the act, with penalties for inadequate living conditions, unlicensed veterinary practices, animal fighting, and unnecessary experimentation. Appeals can be filed within 30 days of penalties being issued.
The law also introduces regulations on controlling stray animal reproduction, the transportation of animals, training for animal sports, and rules regarding animal weight and licensing.
Animal cruelty has long been a neglected issue in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, overshadowed by other socio-political concerns. However, the mistreatment of animals, especially in rural and impoverished areas, remains a significant problem, affecting both domestic and working animals like donkeys, horses, and camels, often due to a lack of awareness and enforcement.
